Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Ohio Early Voting Opens as Democrats Target Key Congressional Seats
Ohio voters have started casting ballots early for elections that could change who controls Congress.
One close race is for a Senate seat, and two close races are for seats in the House.
Democrat Sherrod Brown is trying to win back a Senate seat from Republican Jon Husted.
Max Miller and Marcy Kaptur are also defending House seats against challengers.
People interviewed in Medina County said they were worried about high prices, the economy and the war with Iran.
Some also disliked campaign advertisements they viewed as misleading or mean.
Republicans currently have small majorities in both parts of Congress.
Democrats hope to win enough seats to take control.
Election Day is November 3.
Early voting began Tuesday in Ohio, where one Senate race and two House contests are rated toss-ups.
Voters interviewed in Medina County cited inflation, the economy, the Iran war and negative campaign ads as concerns.
Democrat Sherrod Brown is challenging Republican Jon Husted in a special Senate election; the winner will serve through 2028.
Republican Max Miller faces Democrat Brian Poindexter in the 7th District, while Democrat Marcy Kaptur faces Republican Derek Merrin in the 9th.
Republicans hold narrow majorities in Congress; Democrats hope to gain seats in the November 3 midterms.
- Who
- Ohio voters and candidates including Sherrod Brown, Jon Husted, Max Miller, Brian Poindexter, Marcy Kaptur and Derek Merrin.
- What
- Early voting began as candidates compete in a special Senate election and two competitive House races.
- When
- Early voting began Tuesday; Election Day is November 3. The Reuters reports are dated October 6.
- Where
- Ohio, including Medina County in northeast Ohio.
- Why
- The contests could affect control of Congress, while voters cited the economy, inflation, the Iran war and campaign advertising as concerns.
Democratic candidates and supporters
Republican candidates and supporters
Senate contest
Democratic candidates and supporters
Sherrod Brown is seeking a return to the Senate and presents himself as a populist focused on workers.
Republican candidates and supporters
Republican Jon Husted is defending the Senate seat in the special election.
7th District House contest
Democratic candidates and supporters
Brian Poindexter is challenging incumbent Max Miller.
Republican candidates and supporters
Miller is seeking a third term, has Donald Trump's endorsement and a reported fundraising advantage; he denies domestic-violence allegations.
9th District House contest
Democratic candidates and supporters
Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur is seeking another term.
Republican candidates and supporters
Republican Derek Merrin is challenging Kaptur again after nearly defeating her in 2024.
Voter outlook
Democratic candidates and supporters
One voter said she would vote for all Democrats and had seen some Trump supporters abandon him.
Republican candidates and supporters
A Republican-leaning voter said he generally favors Republicans and dislikes the direction of the Democratic Party, while expressing frustration with Trump's comments about when the Iran war would end.
- Senate contest
- Democrat Sherrod Brown is challenging Republican Jon Husted in a special election; the winner will hold the seat through 2028.
- 7th District
- Republican incumbent Max Miller faces Democrat Brian Poindexter in a district that includes Medina.
- 9th District
- Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur faces Republican Derek Merrin; Merrin nearly defeated her in 2024.
- Senate balance
- Republicans hold a 53–47 majority; Democrats say they need a net gain of at least four seats to take control.
- House balance
- Republicans hold a 218–214 advantage, with one Republican-aligned independent and two vacancies also noted.
- Medina County registration
- The county has 132,345 registered voters: 29,466 Republicans, 15,872 Democrats and 86,762 independents.
- Reported inflation
- Articles cite inflation of around 3.4% and rising food, energy and housing costs.
- Election date
- November 3.
